For three years, the Chicago Bears coach has responded to all criticism of the mercurial Rex Grossman by saying “Rex is our quarterback.” He said it again after Sunday night’s 34-10 loss to Dallas. But he added that he wouldn’t evaluate anybody until looking at the video.

After doing so Monday, Smith said he knew which quarterback he planned to start in Detroit this week. “I’m always thinking ahead, yes,” he said at Halas Hall. He would not, though, reveal whether he was sticking with Grossman or switching to 32-year-old backup Brian Griese.

“Will Rex Grossman start Sunday? Our evaluation process is going on right now,” Smith said. “If you come to practice Wednesday, you will have a good idea of who will be starting at all positions.”

Grossman has started 19 consecutive regular-season games, the longest string for a Bears’ quarterback since Erik Kramer started 20 in a row 11 years ago. But he’s the 33rd rated passer in a 32-team league at 45.2. His career passer rating has dropped to 69.1. Griese, a 10-year veteran, has a rating of 84.5 in 72 career starts.

Grossman has thrown a league-high six interceptions this year and the Bears rank 29th in passing yards with an average of 139.3.

“The passing game has to become a bigger part of what we want to do,” Smith said. “We are a running football team, but we have to get better production there.”

Smith had little to say about Sunday’s injuries to Lance Briggs (groin), Nathan Vasher (groin) and Tommie Harris (knee). “All of those injuries we are evaluating right now, whether it’s an MRI or X-Rays or whatever.” Smith did say injuries to Adam Archuleta (hand), Fred Miller (leg) and Ruben Brown (ankle) were minor.

Assistant sports editor Matt Trowbridge can be reached at 815-987-1383 or mtrowbridge@rrstar.com.